Getting Started

This guide will help you integrate and begin using the Cardano Mendix Plugin in your Mendix applications. The plugin enables seamless interaction with the Cardano blockchain and comes bundled with a complete working example app.

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Plugin Overview

The plugin is delivered through three primary Mendix modules:

• CardanoWallet: Core blockchain logic, wallet handling, and transaction flows.

• Blockfrost: Required integration for communicating with the Cardano blockchain via Blockfrost.io.

• PinataIPFS: Optional IPFS integration for storing NFT metadata and media files on Pinata.

A complete example project is included, showcasing real use cases such as wallet creation, simple transactions, metadata handling, NFT minting, and smart contract interaction. While video references are available for internal understanding, the primary way to explore functionality is via the included working app.

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Prerequisites

To use the plugin, ensure you have:

• Mendix Studio Pro 10.x

• Java 11+ (required for custom runtime actions)

• A Blockfrost API key (testnet or mainnet)

• Optional: Pinata IPFS API keys (for NFT media)

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Installation

You have two options for installation:

Option 1: Use the Complete Example App

We recommend starting with the provided full-featured demo app, which includes:

• Wallet flows (create, restore)

• ADA transactions

• NFT minting and metadata

• Multi-sig and smart contracts

Option 2: Import Modules Manually

1. In Mendix Studio Pro, go to App Explorer → Import Module Package

2. Import these modules in order:

   • CardanoWallet

   • Blockfrost

   • PinataIPFS (optional)

Configure constants or helper flows as needed (e.g. Blockfrost API key).

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Blockchain Access: Blockfrost Only

Currently, the plugin exclusively supports Blockfrost as the backend for all Cardano interactions.

Setup Steps:

1. Register at Blockfrost.io and generate a project

2. Choose Preprod or Mainnet

3. Copy your API key

4. Insert it into your Mendix constants or secure configuration object

5. Ensure the correct network enum is passed to all Java actions

There is no support yet for running your own Cardano node.

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Core Plugin Functions

Function	Java Action(s) or Flow(s)
Create Wallet	JA_Account_GenerateMnemonics → JA_EncryptMnemonic
Restore Wallet	JA_DecryptMnemonic → JA_Account_CreateFromMnemonic
Connect Wallet	JS_Wallet_Connect (via CIP-30 or native context)
Check Balance	JA_Account_GetBalances

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Transactions

Function	Java Action(s)
Send ADA	JA_CardanoTransaction
Send with Metadata	JA_CardanoTransaction with TransactionMetaData param
Create Unsigned Transaction	JA_CardanoTransaction_UnSigned
Sign and Submit Transaction	JA_Simple_TransactionBuildSignSubmit

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Multi-signature (Native Scripts)

Step	Java Action(s)
Build Multi-sig Transaction	JA_MultiSig_Transaction_Build
Sign Transaction	JA_MultiSig_Transaction_Sign
Submit Multi-sig	JA_MultiSig_Transaction_Submit

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NFTs

Function	Java Action(s)
Mint NFT	JA_Mint_NFT or JA_NFT_Mint
Burn NFT	JA_NFT_Burn
Get Asset Name	JA_GetAssetName
Generate Unit ID	JA_GenerateAssetUnitId
Attach IPFS Data	Use PinataIPFS upload + pass hash to NFT metadata

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Smart Contracts (Lock / Unlock)

Function	Java Action(s)
Lock funds	JA_SmartContract_Lock
Unlock funds	JA_SmartContract_Unlock

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Next Steps

• Explore the User Guides for detailed flow walkthroughs

• Use the API Reference to learn all Java actions

• Fork the example app to kickstart your own dApp use case